Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands —Twenty-three food and drink vendors will showcase the vibrant culinary diversity of the Marianas at the 27th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival, held every Saturday evening in May 2026 at American Memorial Park in Saipan.
As a signature celebration of Marianas Tourism Month, the festival will take place on May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the destination’s diverse flavors, rich cultural traditions, and local talent in a lively, open-air setting.
Participating vendors include 123 Foods, BenKi, CK Smoke House, Dae Jang Kum, D’Yummy Foods, Fork & Spoon, Great Harvest, Himawari Restaurant, Kanto 10, Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant, Lanlan Tea House, Loco & Taco, MARPAC / Unified Sports Organization, Matty’s BBQ, Napu Brewing, Oh My Grill, Ruben’s Taco & Wings, Surfclub, Tbar, Thai Garden, The Hutt, Tupu Cane Juice, and Western Sales Trading Company.
One of the most anticipated community celebrations in the Marianas, Taste of the Marianas is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) and brings together the islands’ multicultural influences through cuisine, music, and performances. Visitors can sample affordable dishes from local restaurants and hotels while enjoying live entertainment, food-eating competitions, cooking contests, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities.
“The Taste of the Marianas captures what makes our islands truly Far From Ordinary,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas. “In one evening, you can experience our Chamorro and Carolinian traditions alongside flavors from across Asia and the Pacific. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and cuisine that gives visitors an authentic taste of the Marianas.”
The event also provides an important platform for local businesses, chefs, and artisans to showcase their creativity while sharing the unique hospitality of the Marianas.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking strong visibility during the month-long festival. Sponsors receive exposure through media coverage, consumer promotions, on-site branding, event collateral, and additional marketing benefits.
Sponsorship packages include:
- Exclusive Title Sponsor – $20,000 (cash)
- Platinum Sponsor – $10,000 (cash)
- Gold Sponsor – $5,000 (cash)
- Silver Sponsor – $500–$1,000 (cash)
For sponsorship or vendor inquiries, contact MVA Community Project Coordinator Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3200.
For festival updates, follow the Marianas Visitors Authority on Facebook or Instagram, or visit the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com/the-marianas-calendar/.
FILE - Mitsubachi Pancakes serves sweet and savory crepes at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival in May 2025 in Saipan. The 27th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival will be held on May 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2026, with 23 food and drink vendors, live entertainment, food contests, and more.
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The Marianas is an archipelago of 14 islands - including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota - in the Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in this harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in The Marianas, where pristine sea, sand, and skies are only a 3–4-hour flight from major Asian gateway cities. From Korea Republic, Jeju Air and T’Way provide direct flights to Saipan from Seoul-Incheon. United Airlines flies three times a week from Tokyo-Narita, Japan, and daily from Guam. Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly from Hong Kong, China. Interisland travel between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is provided by Star Marianas Air and Micronesian Air Connection Services. For more information on the Marianas, visit www.mymarianas.com, Facebook/VisitTheMarianas, or Instagram @themarianas.